Ralph Taylor, a Community Builder
Courtesy of Life 360 and Publication of Purdue University, College of Health and Human Sciences, Written by By William Meiners
Alumnus Ralph Taylor (HK ’69) played on one of the greatest teams in Purdue basketball history. In his senior year, the Boilermakers beat their Indiana University Hoosier rivals 120-76 in the season finale and made it all the way to the NCAA Tournament championship game, losing to a UCLA team led by Lew Alcindor (the future Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
Although basketball opened numerous doors for him, Taylor also wants to be remembered for being a difference maker in his professional life and through volunteer work and civic engagement. Based on the many awards he’s received, he has accomplished that goal.
Basketball taught Taylor a valuable lesson. “Basketball teaches you not only the importance of recognizing the strength in individual differences and skill sets, but it also teaches the importance of having a common vision,” Taylor says. “Everyone may not like each other, but with the same common goal, much can be accomplished.”
